Ordered by a state judge to help the FBI access data on one of the San Bernardino shooter's phones, Apple is currently compelled to create a modified version of its iOS operating system that would let the FBI get around numerous safeguards designed to protect encrypted data. The order initially laid down by a California state judge earlier this week relies on a 227-year-old law called the All Writs Act and gives Apple little room to wiggle out of its obligations other than escalating the issue to a higher court. The FBI and the White House have said the fix they are asking for would only work on the phone in question, a claim Tim Cook and other experts refute.

In the statement, prosecutors claim Apple's resistance to help the FBI "appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy." And while it is no lie that this steadfast stand for customer privacy makes Apple look good, the implications of the FBI's request could have far-reaching consequences that undermine the digital security of all American-made devices.

Other tech heavyweights at Google, Twitter, and Facebook have accordingly thrown Apple their support, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation intends to help Apple fight the order. Apple's official opposition to the order is due by February 26th, with a followup hearing on March 22 in California.

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